All comments are most definitely appreciated!
2--The Doubts that Linger
November 3, 1997
Demona watched as the sun rose over the cityscape of Manhattan, and her daily transformation into Dominique Destine commenced. As painfully as ever, her wings curled up and shrunk into her back, her talons retracted and her blue hued skin converted to a typical Caucasian pink. She didn't even scream when it happened, however. She was still in complete shock over the news that had been thrust upon her only hours ago, plus she was too busy mulling a plan over in her head to really feel the pain of the transformation at all.
As she did every morning, she took a shower soon after the change and dressed in her power suit, ready for her chauffeur to take her to the Nightstone Unlimited building. Towel-drying her hair after her shower, she happened to glance at herself in the large mirror in her room absently. This human form, though weak and pitiful, came in handy from time to time. Her body was curvy, and her chest and backside were proportionate with that of her gargoyle form, she was at least thankful of that. As humans go, she was definitely one of the more attractive ones, if humans were your style. She cursed aloud to no one at all. "Damnit! Humans are obviously HIS style!" She continued to scrutinize herself in the mirror further, trying to remember her gargoyle features that her former mate went crazy over. It hadn't been her fighting ability or even her war-cry, but it was her breasts—at least when they were mating, he was drawn to her chest more than anything. Over her button-down dress shirt, she felt her chest momentarily, wanting to make sure that the majority of the bulk was still there.
What a human I have become, she thought. Checking myself out in the mirror. If Goliath could see me now…Blast! That human does not have curves such as these. If he wanted a human, why not have the best of both worlds. I could bear his egg as a gargoyle AND play up to his fantasy in this form. He will come to see that I am still everything he will ever want or need. But how to do it? Killing the whore has obviously failed, unless I outright kill her, and that would most definitely ruin any chance with Goliath, and taint his growing perception of me for the worst. And her suspicions of me must have already been voiced to him, so I cannot do anything to draw further suspicion onto myself now. He trusts her and her judgment…unless I give him a reason not to. That's it! I cannot kill her, so I must destroy his trust in her. I need to find the right way to do it, though.
An evil smile appeared slowly upon Dominique's slender face. It was the smile of someone whose plans were being put together, and who was fairly confident of their success.
--
That morning, as Adam Maza was being watched by Owen Burnett in the castle, Elisa, her parents, and Derek paid a visit to her destroyed apartment and tried to salvage anything that hadn't been blown to bits, or ruined by the water the fire department dosed on the apartment after the blast. To Elisa's relief, most of her sentimental things such as photo albums, CDs, picture frames, and most of Adam's things had escaped the bomb and the subsequent fire that ensued as a result. She put the smaller things in a box, while her father carried the bigger things like Adam's carrier that had been in the kitchen at the time of the blast, and his stroller, which had also been in the main hallway when the bomb went off. Derek helped Peter Maza carry out the main things while Elisa and her mother were left behind in the charred apartment.
To Elisa, the apartment looked as if it had been bombarded by a hurricane. Besides the fact that there was a gaping hole in the wall that used to divide Elisa's bedroom with the living room and the outer wall, there were papers and books and pieces of furniture strewn here and there. There was a strong burnt smell that hung in the air; it had nearly choked them when she first walked into the apartment. Elisa kept reminding herself that these things—this whole apartment, for that matter—were only possessions, and replaceable. Of course she had grown attached to her things, but her two most important treasures were safe at Castle Wyvern.
Elisa bent down and picked up one of her overturned kitchen chairs, set it upon its four legs, and carefully sat down. Her mother did the same and placed her chair beside her daughter.
"Are you alright, dear? I know this must be difficult for you…" Diane began, scanning the room for anything they may have missed.
Elisa sighed, "Yea, but these material things are unimportant in the grand scheme of things."
Philosophical thoughts from Elisa? Diane thought. Something must be up…
"Meaning…?"
"Mom, let's just say that I've been shown what's really important in life. And I have a lot to look forward to." She said cryptically. Diane looked at her, puzzled. Elisa smiled, knowing that her mother needed more clarification. She had to tell her…
"Meaning that—brace yourself, mom—Goliath asked me to move into the castle…and proposed to me. I said yes." Her smile lit up the otherwise dingy and soot-covered room, along with the ring that Diane now realized had been on her finger the entire day. She grabbed Elisa's left hand, examined the three-carat ring as if to make sure she wasn't just playing a practical joke, and grinned.
"That is wonderful, Elisa!" Her mother exclaimed, but then hesitated. "But do gargoyles even get married?"
Elisa giggled slightly. "Well, no, they are mated in a ceremony surrounded by the clan. It won't be the wedding you hoped for me, but I will be marrying the love of my life."
"Elisa, as long as you're happy, that is the wedding I hoped for you to have."
Just then, Derek and Peter Maza came back into the apartment to grab the remaining items to be salvaged. Derek exhaled tiredly and pointed to two boxes near the door. "Are these the last of the boxes?"
"Yep, thanks guys." Elisa replied, smiling sweetly at her father and little brother. As they left the room, she turned back to her mother. "Now, mom, help me find a way to tell dad. I'm sure he won't react as nicely as you just did…"
"Not necessarily, dear. He likes Goliath, no doubt about it. Sure, he would have preferred that you brought home a nice police officer, but he knows that Goliath would protect you and treat you like a queen, and that's all he wants for you, human or gargoyle." Elisa frowned at her mother's mention of bringing home a police officer instead of Goliath…it nearly happened with Jason. That reminded her that she should see him again soon. Well, at least after she was situated properly in the castle…
"I hope so…I wanted to tell them both when they come back up for us."
"Not to worry, Elisa. They'll be just as happy as I am for you." She smiled and hugged her eldest daughter tightly.
---
That night, as the sun set, Elisa was pulling up to the Eyrie Building. She was in the most amazing mood. She actually caught herself whistling to the radio as she drove, and when she saw the Eyrie Building, she nearly sighed. Get a hold of yourself, Maza, she scolded silently. You'd think you were a teenager in love or something…well, at least that's what it feels like.
She had called ahead, and gotten one of David Xanatos' security guards to help her bring her things to the upper level where the castle began and the Eyrie Building ended.
The guard helped her bring the boxes up until the elevator up to the castle. She smiled gratefully at him, and allowed the elevator door to close, ushering her to her new home.
As the elevator dinged to signify Elisa's final destination, she smiled serenely. This really did feel like home to her.
The clan had already awoken by the time the elevator brought Elisa into the Great Hall. Elisa was greeted by Hudson and Bronx. Hudson smiled and rose from his recliner to help her with the boxes. Though she didn't have many boxes, those that she did bring were heavy, and she pushed them along with her foot until Hudson reached her. He effortlessly bent down, stacked three of them, and lifted them.
"Lass, where would ya like me to bring these?" He asked good-naturedly. Elisa smiled and motioned towards the hallway where her chosen room was with her head.
"This way. Follow me. Thanks."
Hudson, followed by a cheerful Bronx, followed Elisa towards the room she had picked for her and her son to live in.
"Everyone on patrol tonight?" She asked Hudson. He nodded. "Aye, lass." A hint of mischief twinkled in his experienced eye.
As they approached her room, she heard her son cooing. Relieved, she quickened her pace to get to her son. Elisa turned the corner to get to the room, and was happily surprised to see Goliath holding Adam tenderly in his strong arms.
"Hello, love. Adam, your mother is here, just as I promised you." Goliath smiled a rare, yet content smile at Elisa, and then looked down to see Adam's curious eyes focused upon him. Elisa dropped the boxes she had been carrying near the wall and walked towards her two favourite men, who had been standing a few feet from the doorway.
"Hi, Adam. Hi, Big Guy." She leaned over and kissed her son on the forehead and then kissed Goliath's hand in turn. She turned back to Hudson. "Thanks again for helping me bring this stuff in, Hudson."
"'Tis nothing, Elisa." He waved and turned, walking out of the room.
Goliath couldn't help but look down at Elisa's left hand to ensure she was still wearing his ring. Elisa noticed this—how could she not? Placing a reassuring hand upon his forearm, she whispered, "This is never coming off my finger, babe. Never." In response, Goliath bent down and pressed his lips against Elisa's, sealing his relief and joy with a kiss. The kiss could have lasted all night, were it not for Adam's cries suddenly. The kiss broken, Elisa reached for Adam and pulled him close to her, trying to decipher what sort of cry he was composing. It was a 'hungry' cry, Elisa gathered, and she sat down at the edge of the bed and rocked him gently for a few moments. Scanning the room, she saw the diaper bag near the door. Without having to be asked, Goliath knew exactly what she was going to ask of him, and walked over to it and brought it to her. She searched the bag briefly before pulling out a small jar of baby food and a spoon. After handing the bag to Elisa, Goliath took a seat beside her on the bed and watched this, almost like he was taking notes.
She fed her son the carrot flavoured baby food, and when he wouldn't have any more, tightly sealed the jar and tossed it aside to position her son to burp. Once that was done, she placed him on the bed, surrounded by pillows so that he wouldn't move around a great deal. She turned back to Goliath.
"You sure you're ready for midnight feedings and diaper changes? Especially when I go back to work in a few months?" She asked Goliath, one eyebrow raised.
"I believe I am. I have a wonderful teacher, so I am not worried." He said, leaning toward his love and suddenly drawing her close to him, catching Elisa off-guard slightly. Relaxing again, Elisa laughed.
"Good." She suddenly had a wistful look in her eye. "Goliath, I'm so happy with the way things are right now. I am going to marry the love of my life, and my son will have a father he can be proud of and who can protect him."
"It joys me to hear that, my love." He replied, touching Elisa's lovely face.
"We do have one question to resolve, though. When should we get married…or mated?"
Goliath apparently hadn't thought of that, because he had a look of confusion on his face.
"I would not wish to postpone the ceremony for more than a few months. I want you to be mine sooner rather than later."
Elisa pondered the idea briefly before her eyes began twinkling with excitement.
"So how about New Year's Eve? Right after midnight. It's less than two months away." Elisa asked happily.
"Why that night in particular?"
"Well, it'll symbolize a new beginning for me and my son, and for us," Elisa emphasized the 'us' by squeezing his hand.
"What do you think, babe?"
"As you wish, my love. We should let the clan know then…I know Angela would like to help plan things for us…"
This made Elisa smile. "That's fine, Big Guy. She's got an eye for those kinds of things."
Goliath rose from his spot on the bed and extended a hand to his love. She took it and rose. He spread his wings, and pulled Elisa close to him, covering her with his protective wings.
"You have made me happy beyond all words, Elisa." Elisa rested her head against his massive chest. She felt safe, protected, in this stance. She knew she'd never be hurt again…
"I'm glad, Goliath, because you have made my life complete. I love you." She added, looking up at him. Goliath planted a gentle kiss upon the top of her head.
"And I, you, my Elisa."
--
November 4, 1997
The next evening, Elisa arranged her new room, down the hall from the gargoyles main living room, the Great Hall, to her specific liking. It was perfect for her, now that she thought about it. Not only was it neutrally painted, but it was large enough for Adam's new crib and change table (her mother had purchased them that afternoon) and a king-sized bed comfortably. Also, she had a white dresser and vanity placed at opposite corners of the room. The best feature of the room, she decided, was the fact that the large and private bathroom was just steps away from her bed, and included a Jacuzzi-style bathtub, with luxurious water jets positioned just at the right spots. Elisa knew those water jets would come in most handy after she returned to work in the New Year. She wasn't looking forward to going back only because it meant that she'd be leaving Adam for extended periods of time, but otherwise, she would be thrilled to return.
Another great benefit to the location of her room had to be the distance to the kitchen. It was only a minute or so away, so whenever she needed to cook, she didn't have to inconvenience Owen or any other staff member—she could just do it herself.
That afternoon hadn't been very eventful for Elisa, save for her having to go to the post office and purchase a P.O box number to have all her mail forwarded to. She then returned back her room, and proceeded to call all the government offices to change her address and request for replacement cards where needed.
She certainly didn't want anyone knowing that she was living under an ex-con's roof, though she knew it would eventually surface. For now, it didn't matter. She and Adam were comfortable, safe, and things were perfect.
When the sun set that evening, Elisa carried Adam into the Great Hall and sat upon the large sofa, awaiting the gargoyle's awakening.
The first to walk into the Great Hall, as usual, was Hudson, followed closely by Bronx. Upon seeing Elisa and Adam, Bronx happily began barking and bounding towards them. He jumped up playfully at Elisa and licked her hand. She patted his head with a free hand.
"Hey, Bronx." She smiled. Adam recognized the watchdog and extended his hand to Bronx, but Elisa pulled his hand back, only because Bronx might hurt Adam unintentionally. "Maybe when you're a bit older, Adam…" She joked, still patting Bronx on the head. Other voices could be heard as more gargoyles entered the Great Hall. Eosine and Lexington entered the room, smiling at each other.
"Hi, Elisa!" Eosine called as she approached mother and child. "How were things today? Did you get a lot done in your room?"
"I did, actually. It's our home now," Elisa commented happily. "It looks great, too. You should go see it when you have the chance." She suggested to Eosine and Lexington. Lex smiled.
"Sounds good, Elisa. Tonight is our night off of patrols, so we'll check it out after dinner."
Elisa nodded. "So who's on patrol?"
Eosine laughed. "Everyone else, except for Hudson and Bronx. Goliath is just handing out assignments outside." Eosine knew Elisa's question had nothing to do with the others, and everything to do with Goliath. Her thoughts were validated when Elisa's expression grew pleased at the mention of Goliath's presence outside.
"Oh, that's good then. I guess you guys know that we've already decided upon a date for the wedding—er, I mean the mating ceremony, then?" Elisa corrected herself, but Hudson, who couldn't have helped but to overhear, waved off her correction.
"Lass, it will be a combination of both traditions. You can call it whatever ya wish, but either name will suit it just fine." He smiled a grandfatherly smile at Elisa.
"I think so, too," Eosine added. "Lexington, Tachia, Brook and I happen to have been to a few gargoyle mating ceremonies and a few more human weddings in our days as time travelers, and I must say that I rather envy human traditions of marriage. They are so grand and gorgeous when compared to the simplicity of a traditional gargoyle ceremony."
"Sometimes simple is better, Eos," Lexington commented, "Take Angela and Broadway's ceremony last summer. And our own ceremony, love. It was very intimate, and was good enough for us…I mean, if that's what you want, Elisa…" Lexington corrected his thoughts. Elisa patted his shoulder.
"I know, Lex. But you know me—I've never enjoyed being the center of attention, and to be the cause of such a spectacle…"
"But what a beautiful spectacle you'd be, my love." Goliath interjected as he approached the group. Elisa's eyes lit up wonderfully, as though she was seeing Goliath for the first time in ages. The others shifted away from Elisa so that Goliath had ample space to embrace his fiancée. He extended his wings and pulled Elisa and Adam towards him, covering them with his wings gently. Elisa inhaled his aromatic scent and sighed as he released her and her son. Goliath then looked down at Adam and kissed his tiny forehead. Adam giggled quietly at Goliath's kiss.
"I'll go make some dinner in the kitchen. Consider it my present to you guys for allowing me to live here." Elisa mused.
"This has always been your home just as much as it has been ours, my love." Goliath commented, holding Elisa's free hand with gentle strength. Elisa grinned contentedly at her soon-to-be-mate and led the others to the kitchen.
After the remaining clan members had eaten Elisa's signature steaks, (and ensured there were leftovers for Brooklyn, Tachia, Angela and especially Broadway) they assembled again in the Great Hall to talk in further detail about the ceremony. As they were getting into it, Brooklyn and the others arrived back from the patrol. Angela entered, smiling as she saw her father and Elisa sitting among the others. Hudson sat upon his favourite recliner, holding little Adam as he slept peacefully in his arms.
"Good evening, Elisa!"
"Hi Angela. We have some news that may interest you."
Angela smiled in anticipation. "You've picked the date for the ceremony?"
"Um, yea. How did you know that?" Elisa asked with her eyebrows furrowed.
"You were discussing the ceremony while we were arriving, and we have super hearing…" Angela said proudly. "So, when is it?"
"We have decided that New Year's Eve is the best date to join together." Goliath announced with a hint of pride in his voice. He looked at Elisa, who smiled happily at the announcement, though she had heard it a few times that night. The idea that she was marrying Goliath made her happier than anything that had ever been imaginable to her, and it showed. Everyone around the couple knew it—the joy felt by the two of them was unmistakable, and was uncontrollable. And, most of all, it was contagious. All the couples of the Manhattan clan rejoiced over their leader finally finding love again, and it warmed their own hearts to see him love so fully, so completely. It also made their relationships with their mates stronger and happier, as the sight of pure love tends to do to anyone who bears witness to it.
Angela, not immune to the smiles surrounding her, also smiled. "That's wonderful, Elisa! I must help you plan!"
Elisa raised her hand. "You'll all help plan this, for sure."
--
November 6, 1997
Elisa woke that afternoon with an idea in her head that she needed a gargoyle's approval and help with for the wedding. That gargoyle, she decided instantly, couldn't be Goliath. This idea of hers was going to be a wedding gift of sorts to him, and it was going to be a surprise. But who to ask…?
That evening, Elisa sat discussing the latest gossip from the force that Matt had shared with her later that afternoon with the rest of the clan. Matt had been assigned to the Gargoyle Task Force, but hadn't been extremely happy about it. Chavez was breathing down his neck to get some vital information on the workings of the gargoyles, and that meant badgering a host of witnesses who had been saved by the gargoyles. Sure, Matt enjoyed playing good cop, bad cop, but usually, he was the good cop.
"Matt's a good negotiator. He'll come around to the job once he realizes he's good at it." Lexington stated hopefully.
"Yea, I hope so, otherwise, I've got one pissed off partner to deal with when I return from mat leave." Elisa smirked. She looked around the clan, who were all laughing at her comment. She glanced towards Adam, who was being held by Goliath. He was sleeping lightly, Elisa noticed. Other conversations emerged among the different clan members at that point. Elisa made eye contact with Brooklyn, and knew immediately he would be the best gargoyle to ask to help her…
She rose from her seat. Goliath and Angela were the only ones to notice this. They looked at each other confusedly.
"Hey, Brook," Elisa said, "Can I talk to you for a second over here?" Elisa asked, pointing to the hallway near the Great Hall. Brook smiled, and nodded.
"Sure." He walked over to Elisa and cocked his head.
"What's up?" Brooklyn retorted, once they were out of the clan's earshot.
"I need you to help me with something for the ceremony. But you can't tell anyone. Not even Tachia…"
Brooklyn thought about this momentarily before nodding.
"Um, I guess. Sure, Elisa. Anything I can do to help…what is this about…?"
"What do you suppose that was about, Father?" Angela asked Goliath, watching the hallway for any sign that Elisa and Brooklyn were returning from their private meeting.
"I have no idea." Goliath replied, just as dumbfounded as his daughter was about the matter.
Just then, Adam began stirring, and then, without warning, began belting out a terribly loud and tormented cry; he was famished. Elisa heard the cries and looked down at her wristwatch, lecturing herself.
"Maza, you're getting sloppy," She looked at Brooklyn, and motioned for him to follow her back towards the others.
"We'll have to talk about this later. But thanks, Brook."
He smiled and nodded as he walked back towards Tachia's side. Once at her side, he kissed her cheek sweetly and allowed her to continue whatever conversation she had been carrying on with Eosine when he left.
Elisa hurried over to Goliath and Adam. Goliath was trying to calm the boy down without any luck. Elisa picked Adam up from his more than capable arms.
"Sorry, babe. He's used to his feeding right now, and all this talk made me lose track of the time."
"It is no problem, Elisa." Goliath said, still half-wondering what was so important that she couldn't speak to Brooklyn amongst the rest of the clan. But he put the idea out of his mind once he realized that Elisa might need some help in feeding Adam. And Goliath required some much-needed practice doing that, so he tagged along.
--
November 10, 1997
Elisa and Adam stood in the courtyard of the castle, waiting for the clan to awaken that evening. When they did, a more alert Adam cooed happily. He was already starting to know that when he heard the roars of the clan, it meant that they would awaken momentarily. Elisa held her son tightly to her, and watched as the clan woke, one by one, shedding their stone skin for another day. As they each stepped down from their ledges, they smiled at Elisa, and cloaked their wings. Brooklyn and Tachia stepped down from their ledge together, hand in hand. Once Brooklyn saw Elisa standing there, he released Tachia's hand and walked quickly towards Elisa.
"Hey. How's it going?" He asked casually, knowing that Tachia was only a few steps behind him.
Elisa smiled coyly. "I read over what you wrote for me. Thanks. I'm practicing it before I go to sleep. I should have it down pat soon." Tachia finally reached them, and placed her hands upon her hips playfully.
"If I didn't know any better, I could swear you two were courting!" She laughed good-naturedly, then turned and walked towards the castle, leaving Elisa and Brooklyn alone again. They continued their hushed discussion, far away from the others.
Angela remained upon her ledge, watching the two of them. Broadway noticed her staring, and grabbed her hand. "What's going on over there?"
"I don't know." Angela replied cryptically. Broadway's eyes narrowed upon the visage of his mate. "Angela, what are you thinking?"
She shook her head. "That this is weird. They were never very close. Why, suddenly, are they always talking in hushed tones? And, why did they disappear together last night for an hour and a half?"
"Didn't you tell me that Goliath already asked her, and she said she wasn't with Brooklyn?"
She exhaled, annoyed. "Yes, she said she was running some errands with her parents, and Brooklyn told Tachia that he went for a glide, but…something is not right about this."
Broadway couldn't believe what Angela was insinuating. "Angela! I've known Brooklyn all my life, and Elisa was my best friend for a long time, too. They would never do something like…that!"
Angela shook her head. "You're right, of course, Broadway, but…I don't know…"
Angela suddenly realized that she had a prior engagement, and shook her head. "I have promised Mother that I would go visit her tonight."
Broadway made a face of disapproval. "Do you really have to tonight?"
"Don't worry, Broadway. I'll be home long before sunrise. I promise, dear." Broadway nodded in resignation. She kissed him tenderly on the lips, and turned to look towards the city.
The clan no longer seemed to mind that Angela wanted to visit her mother, as Demona had proven herself worthy of Angela's affections and visits over the previous few months. Even Goliath himself had to admit that Demona had changed even a little, if not completely. Elisa, on the other hand, was still a bit suspicious of Demona's intentions. She felt that she would never fully trust Demona, though the rest of the clan apparently had.
"Ok, but be careful!" Broadway called to out to Angela. An 'I will' could be heard faintly, accompanied by the distinct sound of wings snapping open and catching the breeze.
--
Destine Manor, 11:15pm
Demona stood upon her balcony, staring into the starry night, hoping to see the outline of her daughter coming towards her. She finally saw Angela approaching and grinned happily at the sight.
"Daughter, I thought you wouldn't come tonight."
Angela shook her head. "Mother, I promised I would come. I'm sorry I'm late."
"That's alright, Angela. How has your evening been?"
"Uneventful. Patrol last night was less exciting than usual…"
Goliath still endangers our daughter's life by sending her and the others on patrol to guard this pathetic little city, Demona thought bitterly. She used all the power she had not to allow this sudden frustration to show on her face. It worked, because Angela's complexion remained happy.
"I see." Demona knew this next question might spark a set of accusations from her daughter, but she was ready for whatever accusations she might encounter…
"And how are Goliath and the detective's plans coming for the ceremony?"
Angela beamed at this subject. "It is still in it's preliminary stages, but they have at least set a date."
"Oh?" Demona asked, trying not to look too excited by the news she wanted to hear.
"Yes. They have decided upon having the ceremony on New Year's Eve, right after midnight. Oh, mother, it is so exciting!"
"Yes, it is quite exciting, Angela. How wonderful for them. How are the others taking this news?"
Angela was instantly distracted by something. Demona noticed all too clearly.
"Angela? What is wrong?" She asked, snapping Angela out of her thoughts.
"Oh, nothing, Mother. I was just thinking about something strange that happened today…well, it's been happening a lot lately."
"What's that, Angela? Tell me."
Angela hesitated slightly before relaying her thoughts to her mother.
"It's Elisa and Brooklyn. They have been acting quite strangely over the last week."
"How so?" Demona was intrigued by this. Could this development be what she needed to make her plan work?
"First, they talk a lot more alone lately. They leave the room together, and they are always smiling at each other. And then, just last night, they disappeared for an hour and a half together. They gave Goliath and Tachia stories, but I…I have doubts about their stories."
"That is odd indeed, but, daughter, do not rush to such conclusions. There must be a simple explanation for these things. Give it some time, Angela."
Angela nodded slowly. "Perhaps you're right, Mother."
Though her demeanor remained neutral, within Demona, joy was mounting, and her plan instantly required attention...NOW.
"My dear, I am so sorry to do this to you, but I must make a business call to Australia. It's something that couldn't wait until morning. I hope you understand…"
Angela looked a bit disappointed, but otherwise alright. "Oh, that's alright, Mother. Broadway actually wanted me home early tonight anyway," She turned towards her mother. "It was nice to see you, Mother. Perhaps next week we can meet?"
Demona smiled genuinely at her daughter. She'd just have to understand that her plans were to bring their family back together again. Tonight was just another sacrifice.
It would be all worth it once Goliath realized the error of his misguided ways with that human…
"Yes, Angela. That would be wonderful. Thank you for coming." Mother and daughter embraced and Angela left, while Demona walked back into the house to sit down and contemplate what needed to be done to ruin Elisa's image to Goliath.
--
November 15, 1997, 3:01pm
Elisa drove to the post office to check her P.O box for any new mail. She opened the box with her key and peered inside. There were a few random mailings—Publisher's Clearing House advising her that she will win $1 Million dollars if she acted today, a reminder from her mechanic to get the oil changed on her beloved Ford Fairlane sooner, rather than later, and an oddly shaped manila envelope, addressed to Mrs. Elisa Maza Dracon. Elisa's pulse suddenly raced as she read her name placed in the same sentence as that horrid name, Dracon. She closed the box and walked out of the post office and back to her car. Sitting down, she took a second look at the manila envelope. It looked like it was sent to her old address, the apartment that blew up on Halloween, and then was re-routed to her P.O box soon afterward. The post mark was from Portugal. This bit of news made Elisa begin to shake with anxiety. Who would she be receiving mail from in Portugal, and why would they address her as Mrs. Dracon?
She tore open the envelope, and found a letter written by hand on legal letterhead. It stated the letter was from a law firm in Ponta Delgada on the island Elisa was held captive on, Sao Miguel, Portugal.
The very circular writing read:
"Dear Mrs. Elisa Maza Dracon,
I am Manuel Antonio Perreira, the Dracon family lawyer. I have been given specific instructions to seek you out and advise you that your son is now the sole heir to the Dracon family fortune. Unfortunately, due to the sensitivity of this information, this matter cannot be discussed over the phone, so it would be beneficial if you would come to Sao Miguel to sign the appropriate documentation. Please contact my offices to book an appointment. This matter must be settled as soon as physically possible. Warm regards, Manuel Antonio Perreira."
Elisa dropped the letter to the floor of the car and stared out of the windshield, completely shocked at receiving such a letter, and yet, knowing that she'd have to fly to Portugal to settle the matter, one way or another.